Jetsettersblog

As the birthplace of Putt Putt Golf into Australia, the Gold Coast will celebrate 40 years of the recreational activity in 2009. Since first opening its doors on 19 September, 1969 at a venue in Hanlan Street Surfers Paradise, Putt Putt Golf has grown to establish 32 courses throughout Australia and New Zealand. After witnessing Putt Putt’s success overseas,

Tom Wykoff was the mastermind behind establishing and building all Putt Putt courses in Australia and is the current owner of Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, plus the West Ryde course in Sydney.

For a totally wild time on the Gold Coast this winter take a safari on Jungle Trail, meet colourful characters on Fun Run or enjoy a game by the water with cascading waterfalls and lush tropical gardens on the Waterways Course at this iconic tourist attraction in Mermaid Beach. Visit www.puttputtgolf.com.au

Australia’s biggest playground, Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, has sharpened its pencil on the issue of childhood obesity and sun safety by launching a hands-on educational program aimed at raising awareness of healthy habits among adolescent school children.

The Dreamkids – Healthy Habit Attack! is a self-directed half day program that encourages school students between Years 5 and 9 to traverse the 37 hectare theme parks and analyse three key areas of health:

Fitness, Sun Safety and Healthy Food Habits. Students will investigate how their well-being is influenced by personal, social, cultural and environmental factors through a series of fun and practical activities.

They will be tasked with calculating the amount of energy expended walking from one thrill ride to another, the number of steps to climb to burn popular foods, and how to design a day in park to avoid the harshest UV rays.

Using foods available on the theme park menu boards, they will also develop meals for different dietary and cultural requirements and learn how to recognise healthier options from occasional treats.

The Dreamworld Healthy Habit Attack program will appeal to all schools. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 07 5588 1184 or emailing: education@dreamworld.com.au

Conrad Jupiters is bringing a taste of Ireland to the Gold Coast announcing details of their next international stage show spectacular at Jupiters Theatre.

The hotel casino will roll out the red carpet for Dance of Desire, direct from Dublin for its Australian premiere as part of their ongoing commitment to deliver high profile, world-class entertainment offerings on the Gold Coast.

Twenty-five of the world’s best dancers and musicians will take to the stage in what has become Ireland’s hottest export.

Hot on the heels of the ‘Michael Flatley revolution’, Dance of Desire promises to evoke an incredible feeling of energy and emotion as Ireland’s passion pounds the stage in a spellbinding tale that has brought overseas audiences to their feet.

The show is filled with exotic costumes, innovative choreography and original score and is a breathtaking blend of traditional and modern Irish Dance, jazz, Arabian, ballet and tango. www.conradjupiters.com.au

The all new Level One, Marina Mirage is “the” address for International and Australian designer fashion.

And it is “the” address for eclectic collections ranging from innovative cutting edge design, classic iconic styles and the very latest in one off couture.

Fashion luminaries Hermes, Lisa Ho, Charlie Brown and Janine Edwards have forged a name for Level One over generations and now they are being joined by Australian designers Tim O’Connor and sister duo Zimmermann, international designer Gail Elliott with her sassy Little Joe label, accessories leader Mimco, luxury fashion stockist Christensen Copenhagen and the ever popular Max & Co. George Gross and Harry Who, another Marina Mirage favourite, has revealed a stunning new store and still to arrive on Level One during June is a revamp for iconic Carla Zampatti and DeLisle Children’s Imports.

While the lauded new look for Emporio Guardi is set to be revealed soon. New stores soon to arrive on Level One include Jigsaw, Via La Moda and Harry’s Imports.

The addition of parking on level one makes access easy. Just a quick dart up the ramp off Seaworld Drive and you will be discovering for yourself shopping on Level One at Marina Mirage really is in a class all of it’s own. www.marinamirage.com.au

Backpacking the Land Down Under has never been cheaper or easier for those on a budget thanks to Greyhound Australia’s new offering. The company has launched Greyhound Adventures, giving visitors the chance to see the best of the country, including Australia’s Gold Coast.

Tourists can buy kilometres to use on its coaches to any one of the 1,100 destinations it travels to around the country as well as exchange some of the kilometres for a wide variety of tours, day trips and adventure experiences. Greyhound Adventures gives travellers total flexibility, meaning they are no longer bound by set itineraries offered by traditional tour packages.

If backpackers come across an experience they are interested in they can just add it into their schedule by exchanging kilometres or paying cash. All people need to do is purchase a Kilometre Pass and then book their travel either online at www.greyhoundadvenuteres, visit a Greyhound terminal or call 1300 473 946.

Tall Ship Sailing Cruises, McLarens Landing Tropical Island Paradise & Whale Watching Gold Coast are happy to confirm all businesses have officially gained Eco Tourism certification.

To celebrate this distinction a winter special offer of a full day Whale and Island experience package for the price of a half day is now available. Visit www.tallship.com.au

Kayaking, snorkeling, dolphins, Aboriginal culture; introducing the greatest natural adventure on the Gold Coast. Balunjali’s half and full day kayaking adventures enable guests’ hands on participation in the Aboriginal Culture.

Guests journey by kayak with their guide across the tranquil blue waters encountering wildlife: dolphins, turtles, stingrays and native birds. Then it’s time to immerse in the warm waters, snorkel, feed the colourful sub-tropical fish or soak up the sun from the golden shoreline.

On South Stradbroke island, Balunjali guests encounter the Golden Swamp wallabies (unique to this island) as they participate with their guide in the journey from past to present, gaining a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal’s cultural history as caretakers of the land. To book please visit www.balunjali.com.au

Dreamworld’s Alien versus Predator versus You combative experience drops its guests in the heat of battle against the backdrop of the cult sci-fi film, Alien vs. Predator. Humans are the bait and their mission is to survive. Taking place in an intelligent arena that fights back, combatants earn points by engaging multi-layered targets with a Delta Strike phaser that triggers both shotgun and rifle-effect beams and comes with LCD screens and speakers to provide real-time game play information. www.dreamworld.com.au

Dreamworld is also offering a special deal for a limited time where kids play free of charge following the purchase of two Adult two-day World Passes. (valid only for Queensland and New South Wales residents). Visitors also have another value for money opportunity whereby with every purchase of a 2-day World Pass to Dreamworld and White Water World you gain an extra 12 days free of charge.

The 2 Day World Pass offers double the thrills and double the fun in one convenient location and is available until August 31, 2009 for adults at $102.00, children (4 to 13 inclusive)/pensioners at $68.00 and Families & Friends (2 adults + 2 children) at $306.00. www.dreamworld.com.au

Continue reading NEW GOLD COAST ATTRACTIONS…

Surfers Paradise is about to get a lot more sophisticated with the introduction of a new waterfront restaurant, Marina Village.

Locals and visitors alike can chill out to the sublime sounds of modern jazz whilst enjoying a quiet drink on the terrace overlooking the Nerang river or satisfy their appetite with a delectable meal. Wowing guests with its spectacular jungle-themed decor, the new restaurant, Marina Village, features hand sculptured trees and vines wrapped intricately around mahogany beams, a fireplace disguised as a tree trunk lies at the heart of the venue and a fish tank completes the stunning surrounds.

Located on the river end of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, next door to Temple Lounge Bar and Restaurant. Further information call 07 5570 6060.

2008 Gold Coast Restaurant of the Year, Charters Towers, has launched a brand new Dusk Dinner Menu representing exceptional value for a premium a la carte experience.

Newly appointed Sous Chef, David Fryer has launched a clean and diverse new menu at the award-winning restaurant incorporating Australian products with new world Eastern influences. The dusk dining concept is a first for Conrad Jupiters and the exquisite range of contemporary dishes on offer already has guests lining up to paint the town orange.

From 5.30om to 7.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday, guests can dine on enticing entrées, mouthwatering mains and a delectable dessert for just $49 per person. Bookings are highly recommended and can be made by calling Conrad Jupiters’ Restaurant Reservations on 5592 8443. www.conradjupiters.com.au

Times are tough and the purse strings have been tightened, however there’s no need to compromise enjoying a fabulous lunch with a friend.

Cove Café at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove is the ideal place for friends still wanting to indulge and from now until the end of July, you can take a friend to lunch for free. For just $33 you and your friend can enjoy the ‘pan to plate’ service and mouthwatering cuisine from the live hot and cold cooking stations at Cove Cafe.

From fresh seafood and salads, to cold meats and cheeses, the deli station is a good place to start. Cove Café is located within the five-star Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Resort located within Sanctuary Cove on the northern end of the Gold Coast. ‘Take A Friend for Free’ offer is available Monday to Saturday lunchtime only until 31 July (excluding Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show ).

For more information on Cove Café at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove visit www.hyatt.sanctuarycove.com  or for bookings, call 07 55301234.

Waves Restaurant at Watermark Resort is all new and boasts the Gold Coast’s largest show kitchen where you can order curries, delicious stir-fries and authentic pastas – straight from the pan to your plate. All the restaurants’ culinary treats can be enjoyed for just $29 per person for breakfast and $49 per person for dinner. Bookings are available on 5588 8304 or www.watermarkhotelgoldcoast.com.au

Premier Gold Coast resort Crown Towers has become an even tastier option for a cool and casual coastal escape, with the launch of a new in-house restaurant.

The Mantra-managed property is delighted to announce the opening of Flux Café – Restaurant – Bar which features a mouth-watering menu of modern Australian cuisine, changing constantly to stay fresh and exciting. Offering a casual, relaxed dining atmosphere, Flux Café – Restaurant – Bar is open from 7am until late serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for visitors and resort guests. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au

The award-winning team of chefs at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa are back again to teach, trick, tantalize and tempt taste buds at the popular Benihana cooking classes.

The Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, located within the resort, is one of the Gold Coast’s most popular teppanyaki restaurants and is renowned for its teppan trickster chefs.

The cooking classes teach guests how to utilise Japanese-style cooking in their own homes while making the most out of fresh, nutritious ingredients. Bookings for the Teppanyaki Cooking Class are essential and can be made by phoning the Resort on 07 5592 9800 www.marriott.com.au

Kids continue to eat free of charge on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the Gold Coast’s three Outback Jack’s Bar and Grill outlets. Other deals include free buffalo wings with your ribs purchase on Monday night, All you can eat buffalo wings on Tuesday night for just $19.95,

Grid locked menus on Wednesday where one low price of $27.95 gets you entrée and main or main and dessert Receive a five dollar voucher on Thursday’t to redeem on your next visit to Outback Jack’s.

Three big stores at Helensvale, Southport and Collangatta. www.outbackjacks.com.au

Schmidt-Curley Design – the full-service golf-course architecture, master-planning and construction-management firm – announces Golden Mountain Golf Club in Qingdao, China, has opened for play.

In less than two years, Schmidt-Curley transformed a boggy swamp into a par-72, 7,005-yard layout highlighted by rugged, natural bunkering and elevated, undulating greens. Nearly every hole has a strong angle of play – a tactic favored by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley mentor Pete Dye – rewarding the golfer who chooses an aggressive line off the tee with a shorter approach into the green.

To make the property suitable for golf, Curley and Senior Design Associate Patrick Burton cut down a nearby hill and transferred more than two million cubic meters of dirt to fill and shape the site. Like layers on a cake, the course was then capped with one meter of sand to ensure ideal drainage and permit bentgrass tees, fairways and greens to thrive.

Schmidt-Curley’s engineering skill and ingenuity is further evidenced by use of long beach bunkers to frame many holes. This design element was incorporated to maintain the pace of play, keeping the ball out of ponds and lakes that still dot the property. The bunkers also serve a second, but no less important, purpose: Because the land is still prone to seasonal flooding (it’s located two miles from the Yellow Sea), the bunkers may flood but the raised fairways and greens will be protected.

“We took a very difficult site and created one of our most visually dramatic and exciting designs,” says Curley. “Golden Mountain is not overly demanding in terms of length and features wide, inviting fairways, but remains quite challenging – especially if the wind is up.”

Schmidt-Curley is deeply entrenched in China’s booming golf course construction market. To complement its Scottsdale, Arizona headquarters, the firm has established fully-staffed satellite offices in Haikou on tropical Hainan Island, and in Kunming in the Himalayan foothills.

Golden Mountain Golf Club is part of a larger resort complex featuring a 10,000 square foot facility with restaurants, conference rooms and 122-room, four-star hotel. A 350-villa residential component is also part of the development. Located a short drive away is JinKou, a rebuilt and restored 500-year-old Chinese fishing village celebrated for its authenticity.

About Schmidt-Curley Design

Founded by partners Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona; Haikou, Hainan Island, China and Kunming, China, Schmidt-Curley is a full-service, international golf course architecture and master-planning firm with more than 100 layouts in 24 countries, including the U.S., Thailand, China, Vietnam, Mexico, Egypt, Sweden and Korea. The tandem is responsible for crafting 10 of the 12 courses at storied Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China – the largest golf complex in the world.

Schmidt-Curley teamed with long-time partner Nick Faldo, as well as Pete Dye, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ernie Els, David Duval, Annika Sorenstam, Vijay Singh, David Leadbetter and Jumbo Ozaki to create a golf experience unlike any other globally. High profile, award-winning projects from Schmidt-Curley include Bali Hai and Siena Golf Clubs (Las Vegas), Amata Spring Golf Club (Chonburi, Thailand, three-time host of the PGA European Tour’s Royal Trophy), Terra Lago Golf Club (Indio, California, site of the Skins Game from 1999 – 2002), Twin Creeks Golf Club (Cedar Park, Texas) and Crosby National Golf Club (Rancho Santa Fe, California).

Schmidt-Curley has also worked extensively with golf’s biggest names – including Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Fred Couples and Faldo on numerous high-profile projects – and boasts four ASGCA members (Lee Schmidt, Brian Curley, Grant Haserot and Andy Raugust).

Producing demanding yet beautiful and enjoyable courses, Schmidt-Curley strives to create golf experiences that stir the senses and elevate golfers’ appreciations for the land and the game. By balancing classic golf course architecture with ever-changing contemporary technology, Schmidt-Curley places an emphasis on site-adaptive courses, memorable and enjoyable for all levels of play and always designed for cost-efficient maintenance and operations.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new Carnival Dream will introduce the FunHub, a shipboard intranet portal featuring an onboard social network and access to information on the ship’s services, facilities and daily activities.

The 130,000-ton vessel, Carnival’s largest ship, is set to debut Sept. 21. Access to the FunHub will be available via 36 stations located on decks 3, 4 and 5, including 12 within Ocean Plaza, Carnival Dream’s indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue.

The FunHub locations will provide guests with free access to a ship-specific intranet portal and a shipboard social network, both of which will be available on a 24/7 basis. Guests may also access the sites via their personal laptops or via 10-inch netbooks available for rent that can be used anywhere on board.

Carnival Dream’s onboard social network mirrors the experience one finds on other social networking sites.

Guests can create a personal profile and use the application to meet and interact with others on board, send and receive private messages, create groups based on interests, and invite friends to attend shows or participate in onboard events.

Guests can also create their own private or public discussion group, inviting others in their traveling party or friends they meet on board to participate.

The intranet portal details the ship’s onboard activities, including entertainment options, daily events and youth programs.

Carnival Dream’s food and beverage offerings are showcased with sample menus, hours of operation and more. A filtering application is available to assist guests in planning their day.

The portal also includes weather updates for that day and the next port of call, news and sports scores, biographies of key shipboard personnel, ship and cruise director announcements, interactive polls, three-dimensional ship maps, and a frequently asked questions section. A year-long collaboration involving Carnival’s hotel operations, marketing, IT and guest experience departments, the Carnival Dream’s onboard social network and intranet portal are available on any guest computer or Wi-Fi enabled device free of charge.

Internet access to sites outside the FunHub also is available through all FunHub locations. Netbooks are available free of charge when purchasing a special Internet package on board. Cell phone service, along with bow-to-stern wireless access from any shipboard location, including staterooms, will be available as well.

To showcase its newest and largest ship, Carnival has created a micro-site at www.carnival.com.com/dream with images, video, interviews and blogs. The Carnival Dream is slated to debut Sept. 21, with the first of three 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome to New York, Oct. 27 to Nov. 12.

From New York, Carnival Dream will operate two eight-day Bahamas/Florida cruises departing Nov. 15 and Nov. 23, then reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., for a one-time nine-day Caribbean cruise departing Dec. 3. Carnival Dream will then launch year-round seven-day service from Port Canaveral on Dec. 12, offering weeklong voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Located in a privately-owned reserve 160 km west of Manaus, AMAZONAT JUNGLE LODGE – a Dutch enterprise – opened recently the RIVER LODGE, a floating hotel carefully designed to allow fishers and tourists to experience an adventure in the Amazon region.

Surrounded by a huge diversity of unspoiled ecosystems and abundant wildlife, River Lodge is the only eco-accomodation located in the area that can easily take visitors to three nearby rivers (Amazon, Urubu and Preto da Eva River).

It is situated close to an Indian reservation, with access to primary and secondary forests at its doorstep.

The management of AMAZONAT is in the hands of Jacques and Cristina van Egeraat, who started the “Amazonat Project” 10 years ago.

It has grown over the years to include a reserve of over 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) with a Jungle Lodge, the new River Lodge and a Jungle Survival Camp. Jacques and Cristina’s dream is to do their part in preserving this beautiful and important part of the world.

By making it accessible to visitors, showing and teaching them about the Amazon rainforest and the delicate balance of its many ecosystems, they hope to raise awareness of the importance of preserving this unique and wonderful asset.

Through ecotourism they are also able to provide local communities with an alternate way to make a living other than from cutting the rainforest for farming or logging, while also developing their appreciation and understanding of the importance of conserving their surroundings.

The Tourism Board of the City of Rio de Janeiro (RIOTUR) is making preparations to coordinate the implementation of a tourist bus tours service/fleet to serve the major tourism attractions of the City.

The process of selecting and issuing the operational licences should be done in the later part of 2008. According to RIOTUR, the bus should be operational in the beginning of 2009.

Leading global travel website for responsible holidays, www.responsibletravel.com, will launch a new collection of stunning hotels that respect local people and environments under the brand name Responsible Hotels of the World. The company is at the same time launching a dedicated travel agency division to book these hotels on behalf of their customers.

The new collection can be found on the new microsite - at THIS LINK  and will also be marketed through the main WWW.responsibletravel.com site.

Justin Francis, managing director and co-founder of responsibletravel.com said:

“When we launched in 2001 there was a definite feeling in the tourism industry that customers didn’t care about responsible tourism. What we have shown over the last eight years is that there is a real demand for enjoyable, authentic, locally distinctive holidays that are better for local people and environments. Whilst the UK remains our most popular destination, we’ve also discovered hotels around the world that are meeting this demand – providing truly unique holiday experiences whilst at the same time putting responsibility at the heart of their businesses.

“Now as a traditional travel agent we will be offering travellers a more tailor-made, personalised service, as well as passing on the best deals and looking after their travel arrangements, including flights in the process.”

As with all holidays on responsibletravel.com, all hotels within the Responsible Hotels of the World collection have been carefully screened for their commitment to responsible tourism and all travellers will be asked to leave a review of these elements of their holiday when they return.

Responsible Hotels of the World launches with 40 hotels in the Caribbean, South East Asia, the Indian Ocean, Central America and East Africa and will be gradually expanded as more properties qualify.

responsibletravel.com has become a member of the Travel Trust Association, giving customers total financial security and protection when taking bookings for both accommodations and flights.

THE BEST DEAL ON SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS, PIKES PEAK COUNTRY ATTRACTIONS ASSOCIATION:

The Pikes Peak Plus Pass makes planning a vacation to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region easier and more affordable than ever with savings up to 25%. The Plus Pass is all-inclusive, or you can create your own with Pikes Peak Pick-N-Choose. Available online at www.Pikes-Peak.com

Historic Fillmore District

Guide by Cell’s Technology Brings to Life History of a Vibrant Jewish Culture

Guide by Cell, the nation’s leading mobile technology provider for nonprofit organizations, announced the addition of its cell phone audio tour service as part of the Jews of the Fillmore walking tour which opens Sunday, July 19 at the Jazz Heritage Center in San Francisco. The tour highlights little known historical facts about the vibrant Jewish culture that thrived in San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District between 1906-1945.

Visitors gain insight into this renowned district, all through the use of their cell phone.

The Jews of the Fillmore exhibition which opened Sunday, July 19 is being presented by a collaboration between the Judah L. Magnes Museum, the Jazz Heritage Center and the Koret Foundation. Guide by Cell was asked to provide its technology after having a long involvement in prior collaborations with the Judah L. Magnes Museum.

“Guide by Cell’s audio tour is dynamic way to spend 20 minutes learning about the rich history of Jews who after being displaced by the 1906 earthquake, migrated into the Fillmore,” said James Levanthal, Director of Development and Marketing for the Judah L. Magnes Museum. “This technology brings an appealing and interactive quality to the tour because it engages visitors to use their own cell phones.

It also allows visitors that cannot physically attend the exhibition to call from home to learn this rich history.”

The walking tour is comprised of five audio stop points, encompassing more than nine blocks where landmarks relevant to Jewish life once thrived. Visitors will learn that the Fillmore was home to two synagogues, three kosher restaurants, four Jewish bakeries, five kosher meat markets, at least three Jewish delicatessens and one Jewish liquor merchant all within a two-block square radius in the early 20th century .

And at each stop point visitors can use their cell phone, dial a local tour number, and hear recordings about the variety of shops, markets, and institutions that once lined the busy Fillmore district.

“The audio tour for the Jews of the Fillmore is both culturally and historically rich and is an experience that any resident or tourist won’t want to miss,” said David Asheim, Founder and President of Guide by Cell. “The Judah L. Magnes Museum has created a remarkable historical perspective about an important part of San Francisco and we’re very excited to play a role in delivering this cell phone audio information.”

About Guide by Cell

Guide by Cell is the official provider of mobile solutions to over 500 nonprofit organizations, including several Smithsonian Institution’s, national and state parks, aquariums and zoos, libraries, universities, and art and history museums.

Guide by Cell turns cell phones into mobile technology solutions. The company is the largest provider in the world of cell phone audio tours, text messaging interactions, and Apple iPhone downloadable applications. The company has recently launched a new division called Give by Cell to provide nonprofits throughout the United States with the ability to raise donations through text messages sent by their visitors and patrons.

Information about Guide by Cell can be found at http://www.guidebycell.com

Star gazing in Hollywood will reach a new level on Aug. 1, when Madame Tussauds Hollywood opens its new $55 million dollar attraction. Located adjacent to the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard,

Madame Tussauds Hollywood will be an immersive attraction where guests can interact with their favorite celebrities without velvet ropes or barriers between them.

The journey begins when guests sashay down the red carpet to the biggest A-list party, where they can get up close, touch and take pictures with the stars.

A key component of the experiential nature of Madame Tussauds Hollywood, which is spread over three floors and 18 themed zones, is the interactive sets and themed areas such as Hollywood’s golden era of cinema, crime, westerns, modern classics, behind-the-scenes, science fiction and action heroes.

The first-ever Madame Tussauds to be built from the ground up, the attraction will feature more than 100 authentic, lifelike wax figures — half of which are unique to the Hollywood location — including famous icons Vivien Leigh, George Clooney, Beyoncé Knowles, President Barack Obama, Marilyn Monroe, Zac Efron and more.

www.madametussauds.com/hollywood